Rebecca VanDeMark's Blog

early fall reflections

Time is the most unique thing- isn't it? It is the most precious commodity and often when we are experiencing "good times" in life time seems to "fly" and we can never get enough of it and yet when we encounter hardships we often are surprised at how long something lasts. 
And sometimes... well sometimes life is a bittersweet mixture of both. I mentioned this in a post last month, entitled, " simple reflections on welcoming fall if you are hurting " (click HERE to read), but something took place personally behind the scenes in my life ( in addition to the hiking fall ) that left me stunned and with a ton of questions... and very deeply hurt and wounded. I haven't talked about it (obviously) on line here as I keep a lot of my private life- private and the things that involve others in my close knit circle - private... but it left me wanting to hold onto summer a little longer than ever.  As I was out walking after work yesterday I kept thinking about this "bittersweet" season that I am finding myself in. There are a lot of amazing things that are going on behind the scenes and many that I am looking forward to sharing with you in the upcoming weeks and days. This summer held some of the sweetest days and memories for me and yet August 1st (the day that the fall happened) and then this very private situation that honestly I didn't recognize or know at first was something that was taking place... I have felt a bit like I have been just trying to regain a bit of "balance" as I try to heal - not sure if that is honestly even the right word... For the last several weeks I have contemplated a blog post... what to say... what to share... I would start to write and sometimes would well up with tears and other times I felt like my heart is so wounded yet looking for joy and gratitude each day. Again... a bittersweet mixture.
I am not trying to keep things "secret" but I do appreciate the ways that this community has always been extremely supportive of my personal life being very private and so I will just say that I am still healing from this situation and physically from the fall and a couple of additional other things that took place- all at the beginning of August. For the thing most on my heart, I still have a lot of questions and at this point I am slowly coming to acknowledge the fact that I might never get answers which has brought about its own grief. For me as a relationship person- who deeply loves others in my life- experiencing something that has taken place - with no explanation has been one of the most painful things I have ever walked through. 

It is very hard. It is very painful. It has been very very difficult... and the tears have fallen often. I still believe (because I do believe the best about everyone) that there was not intentional hurt but sometimes things are messy. 

In the midst of that I have been fighting to see the beautiful hope in the ordinary moments around me. If you live life closely with me then you know that some days this has been well done and other days I have appreciated the space to just be silent and just grieve. I have been so grateful for the beautiful and tender grace to meet me in the pain.
The few people that have confidentially been walking this season with me have kindly classified it as "awful" ... and it has been. It has stretched me and grown me in ways that I never would have chosen before.  It has molded my often selfish heart to be more understanding, more patient, more kind, more gracious, and more loving... all because I have been the recipient of such extravagant measures of each of these things. 
As we moved out of the camp and woods this past weekend and moved back to the house... my grandmothers house where some of the most difficult years of life happened, I have been gently and humbly reminded of some things. 
I remember when we first moved into this home - my grandmothers cottage-10 years ago so that I could be closer to a team of doctors who were willing to work with my main medical team in California. At this time I was seriouly ill and hope was a very tenious thread. We moved into this tiny teeny home (that was really meant for just one person) my parents completely displaced (sleeping on an air mattress in the living room), my dad needing to step outside (even in the snow drifts of winter to take phone calls because there was hardly good phone reception at that time), all of us learning to live with a lot less and everyone sacrificing to help me get better. It was hard. It was really hard sometimes... especially when I was often sick and there was not much space... but in this tiny teeny space and house... I learned so much about love. 
Love that is faithful and unbending. Love that doesn't walk away when life is tough. Love that believes in the bigness of God and the miracles He still performs today. Love that gently quotes encouragement to hurting hearts. Love that listens to life-giving music on replay again and again because it helps remind of us of truth. Love that chooses laughter in silly things over tears. Love that sacrficied the things that many people wanted and needed.Love that comforts in pain. Love that chooses to create a haven against all odds.Love that chooses to believe and hope in all things. 
I was so changed by that beautiful love and it still surrounds me still. So as we entered back into this home on Sunday...this teeny tiny cottage and I am reminded that love will provide for me daily on this journey - emotionally, physically, spiritually. Love that is willing to walk into the darkness, and is not afraid of the scary and long and winding road of this beautiful journey of life. 
Thank you so much for all of your love and support and prayers and for this amazing community who has been walking this journey of Caravan Sonnet. I am so incredibly grateful for each of you! 

early fall reflections on love

Time is the most unique thing- isn't it? It is the most precious commodity and often when we are experiencing "good times" in life time seems to "fly" and we can never get enough of it and yet when we encounter hardships we often are surprised at how long something lasts. 
And sometimes... well sometimes life is a bittersweet mixture of both. I mentioned this in a post last month, entitled, " simple reflections on welcoming fall if you are hurting " (click HERE to read), but something took place personally behind the scenes in my life ( in addition to the hiking fall ) that left me stunned and with a ton of questions... and very deeply hurt and wounded. I haven't talked about it (obviously) on line here as I keep a lot of my private life- private and the things that involve others in my close knit circle - private... but it left me wanting to hold onto summer a little longer than ever.  As I was out walking after work yesterday I kept thinking about this "bittersweet" season that I am finding myself in. There are a lot of amazing things that are going on behind the scenes and many that I am looking forward to sharing with you in the upcoming weeks and days. This summer held some of the sweetest days and memories for me and yet August 1st (when the fall happened and then this very private situation that honestly I recognize or know at first was something that was taking place... I have felt a bit like I have been just trying to regain a bit of "balance" as I try to heal - not sure if that is honestly even the right word... For the last several weeks I have contemplated a blog post... what to say... what to share... I would start to write and sometimes would well up with tears and other times I felt like my heart is so wounded yet looking for joy and gratitude each day. Again... a bittersweet mixture.
I am not trying to keep things "secret" but I do appreciate the ways that this community has always been extremely supportive of my personal life being very private and so I will just say that I am still healing from this situation and physically from the fall and a couple of additional other things that took place- all at the beginning of August. For the thing most on my heart, I still have a lot of questions and at this point I am slowly coming to acknowledge the fact that I might never get answers which has brought about its own grief. For me as a relationship person- who deeply loves others in my life- experiencing something that has taken place - with no explanation has been one of the most painful things I have ever walked through. 

It is very hard. It is very painful. It has been very very difficult... and the tears have fallen often. I still believe (because I do believe the best about everyone) that there was not intentional hurt but sometimes things are messy. 

In the midst of that I have been fighting to see the beautiful hope in the ordinary moments around me. If you live life closely with me then you know that some days this has been well done and other days I have appreciated the space to just be silent and just grieve. I have been so grateful for the beautiful and tender grace to meet me in the pain.
The few people that have confidentially been walking this season with me have kindly classified it as "awful" ... and it has been. It has stretched me and grown me in ways that I never would have chosen before.  It has molded my often selfish heart to be more understanding, more patient, more kind, more gracious, and more loving... all because I have been the recipient of such extravagant measures of each of these things. 
As we moved out of the camp and woods this past weekend and moved back to the house... my grandmothers house where some of the most difficult years of life happened, I have been gently and humbly reminded of some things. 
I remember when we first moved into this home - my grandmothers cottage-10 years ago so that I could be closer to a team of doctors who were willing to work with my main medical team in California. At this time I was seriouly ill and hope was a very tenious thread. We moved into this tiny teeny home (that was really meant for just one person) my parents completely displaced (sleeping on an air mattress in the living room), my dad needing to step outside (even in the snow drifts of winter to take phone calls because there was hardly good phone reception at that time), all of us learning to live with a lot less and everyone sacrificing to help me get better. It was hard. It was really hard sometimes... especially when I was often sick and there was not much space... but in this tiny teeny space and house... I learned so much about love. 
Love that is faithful and unbending. Love that doesn't walk away when life is tough. Love that believes in the bigness of God and the miracles He still performs today. Love that gently quotes encouragement to hurting hearts. Love that listens to life-giving music on replay again and again because it helps remind of us of truth. Love that chooses laughter in silly things over tears. Love that sacrficied the things that many people wanted and needed.Love that comforts in pain. Love that chooses to create a haven against all odds.Love that chooses to believe and hope in all things. 
I was so changed by that beautiful love and it still surrounds me still. So as we entered back into this home on Sunday...this teeny tiny cottage and I am reminded that love will provide for me daily on this journey - emotionally, physically, spiritually. Love that is willing to walk into the darkness, and is not afraid of the scary and long and winding road of this beautiful journey of life. 
Thank you so much for all of your love and support and prayers and for this amazing community who has been walking this journey of Caravan Sonnet. I am so incredibly grateful for each of you! 

an honest review of rogers & hollands | ashcroft & oak 2025

 Source
Finding a good jeweler is like finding the right person to spend your life with. Get it right, and you’ll have a lasting relationship. In both cases, you’re also looking for a healthy relationship, quality, reliability, and the prospect of being treated well. But what does it take to be a great jeweler?
This is something that the leading local jewelry brands Rogers & Hollands and Ashcroft & Oak know well. So, in this blog post, we’re going to do an honest review of Rogers & Hollands | Ashcroft & Oak and find out all about what they have to offer. Let’s dive into it.
The Rogers & Hollands | Ashcroft & Oak DifferenceFirst of all, one key thing to note about the Rogers & Hollands | Ashcroft & Oak brand is that they offer a strong difference in two very key areas.
The first is their heritage and the trust they have been able to build among their clients. The Rogers & Hollands and Ashcroft & Oak brands have been family-owned since 1910. And because they have over 115 years of experience, it also makes them America’s largest family-owned jeweler.
Secondly, they pride themselves on their guest-first policy. Everything they do is to cater to their clientele, from the quality of their products to the personalized and bespoke service they offer. Both brands are all about ensuring that the customer experience is second to none.
But with that in mind, it’s also important to consider the whole picture when it comes to both Rogers & Hollands and Ashcroft & Oak. So, to do that, we’re now going to take a look at the pros and cons
The ProsWe’re going to kick this review off by going into the pros. Of course, when you want to know more about a brand, especially when you’re looking to invest in beautiful jewelry for a special occasion, you want to know why you should trust the jeweler.
So, let’s begin by diving into the positives that make Rogers & Hollands and Ashcroft & Oak so great
Excellent Customer ServiceWhen it comes to buying jewelry, you always want to make sure that you’re getting the best possible service. After all, it’s a special occasion whenever you purchase a beautiful piece of jewelry, so you want the service to match up.
Rogers & Hollands and Ashcroft & Oak have a team of expert associates who offer exceptional in-store and online service to their clients. They specialise in supporting customers with purchases for things like engagements, weddings, anniversaries, and push presents, so you can trust that you’re in the right hands when shopping with them.
A Wide Selection of ProductsNot only that, but they do have such a wide range of jewelry pieces to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an affordable gift or a high-quality diamond, you’ll find it with Rogers & Hollands and Ashcroft & Oak. 
From necklaces and earrings to engagement rings and watches, you’ll find such a wide selection of jewelry pieces to choose from. Their variety means that whatever your milestone and budget, you’ll be able to find something to suit the occasion.
A Range of LocationsIf you like to shop in-store, you can head to one of their 70+ store locations across the U.S., alongside their online shopping. This means that you get to experience the Rogers & Hollands and Ashcroft & Oak difference from anywhere.
They have the power of two brands behind them too. Being known as Rogers & Hollands across the Midwest and Ashcroft & Oak in a wide range of regions across the country, they have a strong presence state-wide.
Lifetime GuaranteeAs you purchase jewelry, you want to make sure that it make the right choice. Not only that, you want the piece you choose to stand the test of time. This is one of the Rogers & Hollands and Ashcroft & Oak strengths. Here, you’ll find that they offer a great returns and exchange policy, helping you to ensure your purchase is perfect.
Not only that, but they also have a strong lifetime jewelry guarantee protection plan. This means that you get to resize any pieces, and benefit from cleaning, inspections, and repairs too. Shopping with Rogers & Hollands and Ashcroft & Oak means you get a full-service experience from start to finish
The ConsHowever, as with any brand, product, or service, there have to be some downsides. The good news is, we couldn’t find many with Rogers & Hollands or Ashcroft & Oak. They truly are a brand that customers love. But if we were to be picky, there are two things we want to just draw your attention to.
Some States are Online-OnlyIf you would prefer to buy your jewelry in-store, just bear in mind that there may not be a location in your state. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. States, such as Maine, that don’t have a store in the state can access the online store. Or you have the option of traveling that little bit further to have a first-class in-store experience nearby.
No International ShippingIt’s also key to bear in mind that there is no international shipping available. So, if you’re outside of the US and you’ve fallen in love with a Rogers & Hollands or Ashcroft & Oak piece, you may just need to take a trip stateside.
They do ship internationally to military bases, however. So if you’re located overseas with the military, you can still order.
An Honest Conclusion on Rogers & Hollands and Ashcroft & OakWhen it comes to doing a review of a jewelry brand, it’s always important to consider three key things: value, quality, and service. Ultimately, if you’re spending money (regardless of how much) on a beautiful gift or a treasured piece, you want to know that you’re spending it in the right place!
If you’re considering shopping with the Rogers & Hollands and Ashcroft & Oak brands, you’ll be in good hands. They have a wide selection of jewelry pieces, from affordable everyday items to heirloom-style diamonds. They also offer a first-class service to their customers, with every step completely personalized. Their expertise and dedication to their craft also mean that every single piece is of the best quality. All the things you require in a good local jewelry store!
*contributed post*

hotel de bourgtheroulde / rouen, france

Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had the most lovely weekend! Today I thought it would be fun to share a short reel about my beautiful time at the luxury castle like Hotel de Bourgtheroulde. You can watch, comment, and like it  HERE ! In the heart of the beautiful Rouen Town Center, this 15th century castle like hotel awaits.
But it is more than just a magnificent hotel. It is a historic five-star hotel with five centuries of history stories of old. And much like the property that has been carefully restored over time, from the first step across the threshold, to an enchanting first evening on the terrace in the beautiful interior courtyard with live music, delicious food, and lovely company, the Hotel de Bourgtheroulde is a charming haven of rest and gateway to discovering Rouen and the beautiful surrounding region.
Thank you so much for all of the interest! I have a longer post coming, but it was fun to share a brief look into my beautiful time there! Also, thank you for just all of the views, comments, and likes. It might seem strange, but as a digital content creator all of those things are important for my job and I truly appreciate them! 
Again, you can find the IG reel  HERE !
I hope you have a wonderful Monday friends! 
Caravan Sonnet | Rouen, France | Normandie | French Hotel

caravan sonnet website sponsorship opportunity

Happy Saturday friends! I am so excited to share some exciting news that has been a deeply requested item for years... We are now offering official blog sponsorship opportunities for brands and businesses that align with our cozy, restorative, and inspiring community. As a sponsor, your company’s logo and image will be featured on a dedicated sponsorship page , highlighting your brand’s story and connection to our readers. In addition, your logo will join all of the other logos and will be permanently displayed on the blog’s homepage on the right sidebar, linked directly to your sponsorship feature for long-term visibility and engagement. This is a beautiful way to support Caravan Sonnet while sharing your brand with a loyal global audience who value authenticity, creativity, and purpose. If you’d like to collaborate or learn more about sponsorship tiers, we’d love to hear from you! Here are some additional details: Logo Sizes Available: Square 200 x 200Rectangle- 200 (L) x 100 (W)
What is the Cost of Basic Sponsorship and What Forms of Payment are Accepted?  Each logo space is "leased" for the following costs for 2025: $25 for 6 months$45 for 1 year$75 for 2 years
"Gold Tier Sponsorship" Options: Basic Sponsorship plus the following Instagram Opportunities:
$125 for 6 months Includes 1 IG story + 6 months of IG story saved in Sponsorship Highlight
$200 for 1 Year 2 IG stories (start date + 6 month mark) + 1 Year of IG story saved in Sponsorship Highlight)
$350 for 2 Years 4 IG stories (start date, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months)+ 2 Years of IG story saved in Sponsorship Highlight)
Your monthly or yearly date will start on the day that you pay for the space. There are limited spaces and this is a first-come, first pay basis. We only accept payment via PayPal. After your sponsorship space is approved, we will send you an invoice. Invoices must be paid prior to your logo going live on the website page listing and being added to the logo pictures. Your space is not confirmed until you pay for your space. When spaces run out, we will start a waiting list. 
What are the Benefits of Sponsorship get you?  Advertising on Caravan Sonnet offers brands a unique opportunity to connect with a highly engaged and loyal audience that values authenticity, inspiration, and purpose-driven living. With over 5.4 million readers from 100+ countries, Caravan Sonnet reaches individuals who are passionate about restorative travel, cozy lifestyle design, intergenerational living, personal growth, and meaningful creativity. Advertising here means your brand will be showcased alongside trusted, heartfelt content that readers return to week after week. Whether you’re a travel company, small business, lifestyle brand, or creative entrepreneur, partnering with Caravan Sonnet allows you to reach a thoughtfully curated audience through personalized placements, lasting visibility, and genuine storytelling that builds connection and community.
How Do I Start the Process? Simply send an email to us at caravansonnet@gmail.com sharing which sponsorship package you would like and someone will be happy to assist you! 
We look forward to partnering together to highlight your amazing brand! 

what is in my grocery cart (october 2025 edition)

   Happy Thursday friends! Today I am excited to talk all about what is in my grocery cart! I always think it is fun to read about what others are picking up at the grocery store and so share some thoughts and ideas in the comments below of things you have purchased recently!
If you have been around the blog for a tiny bit of time, then I don't think that it is any secret around here that in the fight for my health food became something that was a key part of my treatment and continues to be something that I am very careful with to this day. Because I truly believe that food is medicine , I approach eating and food items that I purchase in this way. I have written extensively on the blog here all about the different health benefits of different foods (click  HERE  to find lots and lots of posts from over a decade of writing)! So here we go!  One note that I should mention- I think that delivery services and grocery store pick ups are wonderful if that works for you and your lifestyle. There are all different seasons in life and during a particular caregiving season for me, these things were hugely helpful. At the same time though I love being able to go in and really pick out my own fruits and veggies and items - it is truly a gift after so many years being sick and not able to do that. So for me right now, I don't use those items, but I want to encourage you that if it will help you eat better and healthier- utilize those services. They can be a huge help! (And can  be a great gift  if you are looking for practical things to do for those who are dealing with a chronic illness or who are a caregiver of someone with a chronic illness.) I also want to make the disclaimer that I think for me, living in a climate that has all four seasons things can change a bit depending on the season. In our area during the summer and early fall we still have a lot of farmers markets and don't find that as much during the winter and early spring (obviously!). *smiles* So during those late spring, summer and early fall months we don't shop as much at the grocery store because we are shopping locally at our favorite farms. The picture above was from our drive out to one of our favorite Amish farms that has provided so much amazing food over the last few months... it hard to say goodbye to such amazing fresh and affordable foods! I also want to say that to save a lot of money for the late fall-early spring months because we do not have this opportunity to buy so many fresh vegetables, we spend a lot of time making a lot of side veggies and soups that we freeze then to enjoy in the future. 
Additionally, we use everything that we purchase from the store in all different ways. For example anytime we cook veggies we save all of that vegetable water to use as stock for veggie soups we make. This way we never need to purchase broth. All of the nutrients are amazing from this also! Then every few months we make a huge batch of soup that will cover multiple meals. For example a couple of weekends ago, we made a delicious yummy veggie soup that created 21 dinners for only $8.50!! This means that each of those dinners is less than 40 cents !  So my number one encouragement is to use everything you purchase and think of ways that you can use an item before it goes bad or if it will go bad. One final example of that is because of traveling for the blog sometimes we will be gone for a few days and we might not get to finishing the spinach we purchased. Instead of letting it go bad, we simply chop it up and freeze it and then put it in a future soup. It saves us money and we truly then are getting use out of every single thing we purchase!  Here is my shopping list from this past week:  (As you can see most of our items are fresh produce - if you would like to read about the health benefits of some of the foods that I pick up weekly - simply click on the food name/link)1. Spinach2. Different greens/Microgreens ( Kale ,  Arugula , etc.)3. Scallions4. Onions (Both  Red Onions  and Different Yellow/Sweet Onions)5. Shallots6. Garlic7. Tomatoes8. Peppers (Hot Peppers, Bell Peppers, etc.)9. Carrots 10. Celery11. Potatoes12.  Basil , Parsley, etc. 13. Blueberries14.  Black Raspberries  (during the summer - we freeze them and enjoy all year)15. Blackberries16.  Raspberries 17.  Strawberries 18. Lemons and Limes19.  Apples 20. Kiwi21.  Ginger 22. Squash23. Avocados (Tips for use of avocados can be found  HERE !)24. Turnips25. Rutabegas26. Corn (Fresh during the Summer/Frozen During the Year)27. Peas (Fresh During the Summer/Frozen During the Year)28. Bananas29. Gluten Free Pretzels30. Pumpkins  31. Turkey 32. Goat Cheese33.  Apple Cider Vinegar 34. Gluten Free Flour35. Cranberry Juice36. Almond Butter37. Nut Mixture (Almonds, Walnuts, etc.)38. Corn Tortillas39.  Dark Chocolate 40.  SmartWater 41. Fish
If you are looking for foods that can boost your immune system, check out my post,  17 Foods that Boost Your Immune System  ( HERE )!
What about you? What is in your grocery carts?

Millie & Jones Review: Is the Family-First Furniture Brand Worth It?

Image Credit: The Artwill from Unsplash.

Parents all know how complicated it can be to buy anything for their kids. Not only do interests change, but you’ll also have to worry about whether your kids will physically outgrow whatever you buy them. This is especially true with bedroom furniture.

That’s what Millie and Jones looks to address. An online store focusing on beds for kids of all ages, the brand has gotten quite a bit of attention in recent years.

But, is the company actually worth considering buying from? There’s a big difference between what a company claims and what’s actually on offer. That’s why it’s worth digging into a Millie and Jones review to see if they actually live up to the hype.

A Quick Look: Who Are Millie & Jones?

Based in the U.K and founded by a husband-and-wife team, Millie and Jones is an online retailer specialising in beds for toddlers, kids, and teenagers. As parents themselves, the owners understand the needs of growing and large families looking for bedroom furniture.

They also understand the challenges that come with this, and the company has gone out of its way to address these as thoroughly as possible. Their refreshing approach looks to make buying kids’ and toddlers’ beds as easy and straightforward as they can.

What You’ll Find at Millie & Jones

Bedroom furniture for toddlers, kids, and teenagers is predominantly what’s on show here, but that doesn’t mean this is the only thing you can expect here. Millie and Jones takes an eco-friendly approach to business, making sure the company is as environmentally friendly as possible.

This is seen across the company’s product range, and parents can expect to find beds across a wide swathe of areas. These include:

Toddler beds

Mid sleepers and high sleepers

Bunk beds

Day beds and trundles

The company claims that each of these types of bed are designed to be as practical and stylish as possible for growing families.

Digging a Little Deeper: Comprehensive Millie & Jones Review

Now everyone’s on the same page on who Millie and Jones is, it’s worth diving a little deeper into the brand. Is it actually worth buying from, or would alternatives be better picks? Let’s get a little more into it.

The Shopping Experience

Countless parents could be hesitant to buy beds for their toddlers and kids online, which is why they might be a little hesitant with Millie and Jones; there aren’t exactly many physical stores. But, that doesn’t mean the online shopping experience is bad here.

The website is quick and easy to navigate, so potential customers shouldn’t have a problem finding what they’re looking for. The product descriptions are also in-depth and comprehensive, so you’ll know exactly what’s on offer.

This includes sizes and all other related information. There shouldn’t be any confusion about how much space any beds you’re considering will take up. With a little bit of looking around, you’ll have the perfect bed for your kids or teenagers relatively quickly.

Pros & Cons

Outside of the shopping experience, there are more than a few benefits to going with Millie and Jones. There’s a reason why so many parents keep flocking back to them, after all. Some of the more notable benefits here include:

Family-run so the company understands family needs.

Sustainable approach to furniture and running a business.

Relatively affordable compared to some alternatives.

Stylish but comfortable options to pick from.

Space-saving designs for growing families.

These can all be great benefits, and they’ll be more than persuasive. But, that doesn’t mean it’s all coming up daisies. There are a few negatives to be aware of, too. These include:

May have to wait for furniture to be delivered.

Mainly focuses on the U.K.

While these mightn’t be too major, they’re still worth being aware of. The benefits can more than outweigh these, which is why so many people keep buying from Millie and Jones.

What Previous Customers are Focusing On

Speaking of people who’ve bought from the company before, they’ve left plenty of Millie and Jones reviews. While these focus on customers’ specific cases, there are a few common threads throughout these reviews.

Customers seem to highlight many of the same areas, making them worth mentioning. Some of the more notable of these are:

Stylish, Practical Designs - Every bed and accessory is designed to be as stylish as possible while still being practical for a growing child to use. While this can be a relatively tricky balancing act, Millie and Jones manages to pull it off relatively well and most toddlers and kids should benefit from it.

Space-Saving Genius - Speaking of practical designs, many of Millie and Jones’ beds are designed to save as much space as possible. This includes with smart storage solutions built directly into the bed itself. There’s no reason why growing or large families shouldn’t benefit from this.

Customer Care - The customer care at Millie and Jones has been a standout for customers. It seems as though the company offers a much more personal and hands-on approach to dealing with customers than many other online stores. It’s a great touch for an almost entirely online business.

Eco Credentials - More and more consumers focus on living sustainable lives, and many of them have highlighted Millie and Jones for their sustainability efforts. These are noticeably more than seen with many other options, and are a great area to focus on if you want eco-friendly furniture.

Each of these could help make Millie and Jones stand out. They could be more than enough of a reason to consider buying your kids’ or teenagers’ beds from the brand.

Summing it Up

It’s easy to see why a Millie and Jones review can be helpful. You’ll be hesitant to buy from a brand you mightn’t have heard of before, especially when it comes to anything to do with your kids.

But, the brand appears to be a high-quality one, with plenty of customers highlighting how stylish and practical their kid and teen beds are. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t be worth considering.

*contributed post*

Staying Centered as a Caregiver: 7 Mindful Practices for Inner Calm

 Caring for a loved one can be one oflife’s most meaningful responsibilities, but it can also be physically andemotionally demanding. Many caregivers put their own needs aside while tendingto parents or aging family members, and over time, this canlead to stress and exhaustion. Mindfulness practices offer simple, restorativetools that help caregivers stay grounded, reduce anxiety, and maintain theinner calm needed to show up fully for those they love.
1. Start with the BreathThe breath is always available as ananchor, even in moments of overwhelm. A few rounds of slow, deep breathing cancalm the nervous system and create space before responding to stressfulsituations. Caregivers may find it helpful to practice box breathing (inhalefor four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four) or simplynotice the rise and fall of the chest. Returning attention to the breath, evenfor just a minute, helps restore clarity and steadiness during a busy day.
2. Ground Yourself with GentleMovementWhen caring for others, it’s easy tooverlook your own body’s needs. Gentle yoga stretches or a short flow can helprelease tension from the shoulders, hips, and lower back, which are commonareas where stress often accumulates. Even five minutes of mindful movement canrefresh energy and shift perspective. Standing forward folds, seated twists, orrestorative postures supported by cushions are all accessible options thatrequire minimal space and time. By moving with awareness, caregivers not onlystrengthen their bodies but also cultivate a sense of grounding and balance.
3. Create Mini-MindfulnessMomentsMindfulness doesn’t always require longperiods of meditation. Short pauses throughout the day can be just as powerfulin creating balance. Caregivers might try setting aside two minutes for guidedbreathing with a meditation app, practicing mindful handwashing, or keeping agratitude journal nearby to jot down a few positive reflections. Simple ritualssuch as savoring a warm cup of tea without distractions can bring a sense ofpresence and ease. Research shows that mindfulness exercises can reduce stress andsupport emotional well-being, making them particularly valuable for individualswith limited time to themselves.
4. Establish Boundaries withCompassionProviding care often means beingavailable around the clock, but constant giving without pause can quickly leadto burnout. Setting gentle boundaries allows caregivers to protect their energywhile still offering meaningful support. Caregivers can support themselves byscheduling short breaks, designating certain hours for self-care, or askingother family members to share responsibilities. Practicing clear and kindcommunication when expressing these needs helps maintain harmony with lovedones. Practicing a restorative yoga sequence can also reinforce the value ofslowing down and creating space for emotional balance.
5. Lean Into Community SupportCaregiving can feel isolating, butseeking connection makes the journey lighter. Whether it’s joining a localsupport group, attending a yoga class, or sharing experiences with friends,being part of a community provides perspective and encouragement. Practicingmindfulness in a group setting can be especially powerful, as it remindscaregivers they are not alone in their challenges. Community support helpsrestore balance and creates a sense of belonging, which is essential forresilience.
6. Recognize When Stress Comesfrom Unsafe EnvironmentsMuch of caregiving stress stems fromemotional demands, but it can deepen when worries arise about a loved one’ssafety in a care setting. If signs of neglect or injury appear, the concern canfeel overwhelming. In these situations, some families choose to file a nursing home injury claim as a steptoward ensuring their loved one receives proper protection and care. Knowingthat support is available if safety is ever compromised can ease some of theburden and bring greater peace of mind.
7. Practice Self-CompassionDailyCaregivers often focus so much on othersthat they forget to extend the same kindness inward. Practicing self-compassioncan be as simple as pausing to acknowledge that the work being done ismeaningful, even on the most challenging days. Gentle affirmations, journaling,or taking a quiet moment to breathe with one hand over the heart can serve asreminders that personal well-being matters too. Approaching yourself with thesame care you offer others builds emotional strength and enables you to sustainyour role with greater balance and ease.
ConclusionMindfulness offers caregivers a path tosteadiness, even in the midst of responsibility and uncertainty. Through smalldaily practices, such as mindful breathing, gentle movement, settingcompassionate boundaries, and practicing self-care, it is possible to cultivateinner calm while caring for loved ones. By nurturing both body and mind,caregivers create the resilience needed to continue their role with presence,patience, and love.
*contributed post*

less than twenty minutes outside rouen sits the most beautiful and peaceful abbey in normandy's countryside / jardins de l'abbaye saint-georges de boscherville / normandie, france

Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had the most lovely weekend! Today I thought it would be fun to share a short reel about my beautiful time at Jardins de' L'Abbaye Saint-Georges de Boscherville in Normandie. You can watch, comment, and like it  HERE ! Less than 20 minutes from Rouen in the Seine Valley, the beautiful and peaceful Abbey Saint-Georges was stunning to visit. Built in the 12th century, it was absolutely lovely to be warmly welcomed and spend several hours on the property. For most of tLhe time I had the church and grounds to myself which provided a much needed retreat due away from a very painful situation I am walking through. The quiet and the expanse provided a stunning backdrop. No matter where life finds you when you visit it is a delightful place you will enjoy! From the top you can enjoy the exceptional view over the gardens, the whole abbey and the Seine-Valley.
Thank you so much for all of the interest! I have a longer post coming, but it was fun to share a brief look into my beautiful time there! Also, thank you for just all of the views, comments, and likes. It might seem strange, but as a digital content creator all of those things are important for my job and I truly appreciate them! 
Again, you can find the IG reel HERE !
I hope you have a wonderful Monday friends! 
Caravan Sonnet | Normandy France | French Abbey

connect on tiktok

Happy Saturday friends... well yesterday, I finally created a TikTok account... I know I have been forever behind on this and I am excited to creatively explore in this new area and so it made the list of doing something new everyday this year and I am so excited to connect with y'all over there! So please follow along by clicking HERE! Are you on TikTok? Please leave your link below in the comments so we can all connect together! 
Happy Saturday friends! I hope it is a wonderful weekend! I can't wait to say hello over on TikTok!